He will be sentenced in May
A child rapist pretended to have spiritual powers and abused his position in the community. Abudal Halim Khan, 54, of Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, has been found guilty of a range of vulgar sex crimes over 11 years between 2004 and 2015.
Khan abused his position as a respected faith leader within the local community and abused multiple women and girls. He manipulated the victims and threatened harm on their families in a bid to continue his abuse.
Police first learnt about Khan’s attacks in February 2018 when the youngest victim reported him to an adult. The investigation interviewed over 50 witnesses and examined 10 mobiles.
Khan repeatedly denied the allegations, claiming it was a conspiracy, and the victims had concocted a story for revenge. But detectives were having none of it and he was charged on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
He was found guilty of:
- Nine counts of rape
- Four counts of sexual assault
- Two counts of sexual assault of a child under thirteen
- Five counts of rape of a child under thirteen
- One count of assault by penetration
He is being held in custody ahead of sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, May 14.
‘It affected my sense of safety and ability to trust others’
One of Khan’s victims shared a statement. She said: “The abuse I suffered as a child has had a profound and lasting impact on my life. What happened to me did not end when the abuse stopped, it affected my sense of safety, my ability to trust others, and the way I understood relationships and authority. Someone who should never have harmed me violated that trust, and the effects of that betrayal have stayed with me for many years and I continue to carry that trauma with me.
“Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I lived with shame, fear, and confusion that were not mine to carry. The loss of trust, in people, in systems, and at times in myself, shaped much of my adult life.
“Coming forward was an extremely difficult decision. Speaking about what happened meant revisiting painful memories and facing emotions I had tried to suppress for years. However, being listened to, believed, and treated with dignity throughout the investigation helped restore some of the trust that had been taken from me. I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police officers who handled my case with care, professionalism, and sensitivity.
“I hope this outcome acknowledges not only the abuse itself, but the deep and lasting harm it causes. I also hope it encourages other survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and that what happened to them matter, regardless of how much time has passed.”
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems said: “It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure. The women who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police and I hope they serve as inspiration to other victims and survivors.
“While nothing will undo the harm suffered by these women – yesterday’s conviction will hopefully offer a small measure of comfort. I’d like to thank the dedicated team of Met officers who left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
“We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London’s streets.”
Anyone with information who wants to report further crimes involving Khan can call 101 quoting Op Sparebank, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For confidential help, the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free phone and online chat for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales: 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
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